Why Barefoot?
Think accessible, connected with a unique eye. No project is too small or too remote. Every creation is worthy.
Casting national & international feature films, television shows and TV commercials.
I have operated Barefoot Casting since 2005 with my brother Matt. Casting national & international feature films, TV shows and TV commercials have all been our brief. When Matt took on the challenge of heading up casting for New Zealand’s prime time soap Shortland Street, my path was set. A chance to rationalise and capitalise as a sole CD in an ever-changing world. Having a singular focus yet still maintaining the core beliefs held when launching Barefoot Casting.
As well as casting, I am an experienced on-screen acting tutor. My professional tutoring positions have included Auckland University Media Studies, AUT Media Studies, Unitec Performing Arts School, South Seas School, MEAA NZ, US, AUS Casting Hothouse units and TAPAC holiday programs. I am currently engaged with The Actors Program & my Barefoot On-Screen Acting Clinics.
As well as casting, I am an experienced on-screen acting tutor. My professional tutoring positions have included Auckland University Media Studies, AUT Media Studies, Unitec Performing Arts School, South Seas School, MEAA NZ, US, AUS Casting Hothouse units and TAPAC holiday programs. I am currently engaged with The Actors Program & my Barefoot On-Screen Acting Clinics.
I want to inspire actors with the possibilities, joy and sheer almightiness of taking on the industry on their own terms with their own weapons of creation.
Mike Dwyer
I actor trained with The Questors Theatre, Ealing, London in the late 80′s and early 90′s and then acted in theatre, TV and film in the 90′s & 00′s in the UK & NZ. I was employed as Casting Assistant then Director to Irene Drake from 2001 – 2005 when with Matt, we bought Action Workshops and re-branded to Barefoot Casting.
Favourite theatre experience
Touring Russian-occupied Lithuania in a theatre exchange programme during their quest for liberation from the USSR in 1991. Powerful theatre against insurmountable odds.
Favourite on-screen experience
Snogging Xena in a barn when she was first introduced to the world as a baddie trying to kill Hercules. I was her assassin. She was my boss …
Most memorable casting experience
Casting nude performers for the infamous naked Elave on-line campaign.